Babcock International Group has selected the KierBAM joint venture (KBJV) to deliver a works programme valued at approximately £600m ($804m) to upgrade the 10 Dock facility at Devonport, Plymouth, UK.
The appointment, made on behalf of the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Nuclear Enterprise, will see KBJV supporting enhancements designed to improve the maintenance capabilities for both current and future Royal Navy submarine fleets.
The project scope includes large-scale civil infrastructure, such as constructing a water-retaining boundary structure and installing nuclear-licensed elements.
Engineering tasks will include building new buttresses, subways, in-situ subway structures and incorporating rock anchors, reinforcement, dowels and a multi-tonne caisson.
This development forms part of a longer-term investment initiative led by Babcock at Devonport, which aims to upgrade infrastructure to meet the Royal Navy's evolving needs.
Babcock is managing the 10 Dock main works through its Major Nuclear Capital Programmes business unit.
KBJV previously supported the project’s early contractor involvement phase, commissioning a concrete batching plant and developing logistical, welfare and office infrastructure on site.
Kier Infrastructure energy and environment managing director Craig Small said: “This is a critical piece of infrastructure to support the UK’s defence resilience, and builds on our experience across the UK’s nuclear and defence sectors.
“KBJV has worked at Babcock’s Devonport site for several years, and our longstanding experience and knowledge of the facility provides us with crucial expertise to support the development of the works taking place there.
“We are proud to be working with Babcock to deliver a project that will help meet the evolving needs of the Royal Navy and strengthen the UK’s long-term security, while supporting their commitment to creating lasting benefits for communities in and around Plymouth.”
Devonport Royal Dockyard, located alongside HM Naval Base Devonport in Plymouth, has served the Royal Navy since 1691 and supports submarine maintenance as part of the UK government’s efforts to sustain its nuclear deterrent and operational submarine capability.
KBJV’s selection adds to its ongoing work in the UK nuclear and defence sectors, including previous civil engineering projects at Hinkley Point C and other continued activities at Devonport Royal Dockyard.
Last month, Royal BAM Group reached an agreement to purchase A.Hak, a Dutch underground infrastructure company, for an enterprise value of €504m ($565.9m).
